Qian Daoliu fell silent for a long while, then finally nodded. "Then use these five years to prove your choice was right. You must accelerate your Angel God trials; he must carve his path beyond these walls. If, in five years, you both fulfill your vows, I will personally preside over your wedding and proclaim it to the world."
"Thank you, Grandfather." A genuine smile graced Qian Renxue's lips.
"But," Qian Daoliu's tone turned grave, "if he fails to meet the terms, or if your devotion hinders your divine trials, this bond must end. This isn't cruelty. As Grand Worship of the Spirit Hall—and as your grandfather—I must safeguard the Spirit Hall's future and your destiny."
Qian Renxue drew a deep breath. "I understand. If he fails… I will accept reality. But Grandfather—I trust he will never disappoint me."
Qian Daoliu said no more. He simply patted her shoulder and turned away.
Back in her chamber, Qian Renxue sat by the window, gazing at the brightest star in the night sky, her heart alight with hope.
---
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng had already left Spirit City. astride a swift steed, he raced toward the Star Luo Empire. The cool night wind whipped past, stirring his robes and the fire burning within him.
Five years—from Soul King to Soul Douluo; building a champion-worthy team from nothing. A monumental challenge. Yet fear was absent—only fierce resolve remained.
He sifted through memories: maps of immortal herbs, locations of divine inheritances, pivotal future events. These were his reincarnator's advantages. Yet he knew: he couldn't rely solely on canon. This world held its own variables.
First: return to Star Luo to resolve matters with Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun. Once minor antagonists in the original tale, now they were his elder brother and his fiancée's sister. Though he'd delayed the engagement, the tension remained. He needed a path to protect Zhu Zhuqing without provoking open conflict.
Second: begin establishing his academy. Site selection, faculty, recruitment, funding—all required careful planning. His status as Star Luo's Third Prince, though reputed to be unloved, granted minimal resources and influence.
Third: draft a precise cultivation roadmap. Reaching Soul Douluo in five years demanded extraordinary efficiency and strategic opportunities. Every step must strengthen his foundation, not undermine it.
That night, at an inn in a small town, Dai Chengfeng lit a lamp, unrolled maps and parchment, and began charting the next five years.
Year One: Return to Star Luo to settle family affairs while initiating academy preparations. Cultivation focus: seek the first opportunity—the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well in Sunset Forest. Its immortal herbs would refine his physique and accelerate growth.
(Note: This is Dugu Bo's medicinal garden. He may not have discovered it yet—or only recently. Must proceed with extreme caution to avoid confrontation with the Poison Douluo.)
Year Two: The Academy takes initial shape; first student cohort recruited. Simultaneously pursue the second opportunity—Slaughter City. Perilous, yes—but traversing the Hell Road to obtain the Killing God Domain would vastly amplify combat prowess.
Year Three: Academy stabilizes; team begins forming. Journey to the Extreme North to investigate the suspected divine inheritance site. Securing even a fragment of that legacy could trigger a quantum leap in strength.
(Note: The Spirit Hall has already detected it. Competition will be fierce. Preparation must be flawless.)
Year Four: Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament preliminaries commence. Focus shifts to team refinement and personal advancement. Target: reach Soul Sage.
Year Five: Main tournament begins. By then, I should stand at the threshold of Soul Douluo; the team must be battle-forged. Goal: claim the championship, fulfill my vow to Qian Daoliu, and marry Xue'er with honor.
Dai Chengfeng studied the densely inked plan. Each line pointed toward that radiant horizon: Five years. Soul Douluo. Champion. Xue'er.
He carefully folded the parchment, extinguished the lamp, and laid down.
Outside, stars glittered—silent witnesses to a vow written in resolve.
Inside, a heart beat steady: I will return.
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